The Mahone Bay islands have always been important to me. My family had a summer cottage on Second Peninsula and from there we started exploring the nearby islands. In the early 1960s, a 3 hp outboard gave me a new found independence and my sisters, friends and I enjoyed the waters and islands of Princes Inlet in our 10 foot punt.
Moving to Oakland in 1977 after university in Halifax and a couple of years in Ontario, my wife Janet and I and our two daughters, family and friends enjoyed the islands in a variety of small boats over the years.
In the late nineties and early 2000s when several prime Mahone Bay islands were being privately developed, a small group of us got together to discuss the current state and the possible future of the Mahone Bay islands. This eventually resulted in the formation of MICA. As a founding Director with the initial responsibilities of Chairing the Resource Documentation committee, the committee’s first and most important duty was to develop the strategy and plan for protecting and conserving the Mahone Bay islands. A restructure in the first year gave me the responsibility of Chairing the new Finance, Acquisition and Administration Committee. In 2007 I became MICA Chair and have held that position since then.
Having travelled in coastal communities in many parts of the world it is obvious that what we have here is very special and unique and must be protected for the future.
It has been and continues to be such a pleasure to work with so many fine dedicated and committed people volunteering their time on behalf of MICA. My wife and family have provided huge assistance to me in carrying out my responsibilities over the years.
Thank you to the many people who have contributed to the success of MICA.
Together we are creating quite a legacy.